OFW 4th Episode: Forever Grateful and Proud of My Abu Dhabi Journey

Living my fortunate life in the capital of United Arab Emirates
24th of October 2016 to 29th of October 2020

"The point of living is not to arrive at the future, it's to arise in the present. Train your mind to see the good in Everything"

I arrived in Abu Dhabi on midnight of 24-Oct-2016 and went directly to Mussafa Workers Village for my more than a month accommodation. This was my 2nd visit to Abu Dhabi (1st was in 2012) and 3rd visit in UAE (1st was 2012 and 2nd was 2013). I spent my first 6 months on probation as Aircraft Maintenance Production Planning Engineer until 17-Apr-2017, the first day of being part of the Production Planning family as regular employee.

Through the years I stayed in Abu Dhabi I become more resilient and learned a lot from Cleaners, to Technicians, to Technical Officers, to fellow Engineers and to the Management. Moreover, I never thought I would go this far, the rollercoaster ride was indeed a professional expedition to reminisce. I have had a wonderful exposures working with my previous company and have experienced tremendous personal and professional growth. I was able to grow into the role widening my knowledge in all aspects of commercial aircraft planning function. The only way to do a great work is to love what you do despite the ups and downs. Unfortunately, layoff occurs mainly due to business-wide decisions during the Corona Virus (Covid-19) pandemic.

This is what this is, part of the journey is the end. All I can say is thank you very, very much to the department I belong and to the company I've worked for four years. I am forever grateful and proud working in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Forever Grateful and Proud on My Abu Dhabi Journey (2016-2020)

Abu Dhabi Long Distance Solo Folding Bike Cycling: Thanksgiving Ride

November 13 and 17, 2020 in Abu Dhabi City, United Arab Emirates

Forever Grateful and Proud of My Abu Dhabi Journey (2016-2020)

"And now, the end is near. And so I face the final curtain. I've lived in Abu Dhabi a life that's full.

I traveled each and every highway and I did it my way"

Around less than 2 weeks before my repatriation flight schedule (going out of United Arab Emirates for good), I decided to provide an adventure tribute for all the remarkable memories I've made with Abu Dhabi. Sightseeing the Emirate of Abu Dhabi for one last time through long distance folding bike cycling solo adventure (which I discovered only during Pandemic Lockdown) is the best way to express my deepest appreciation. Abu Dhabi City is my home for more than four years and surprisingly, biking gave me a one-of-a-kind perspective on the amazing views of UAE's capital. This folding bike long distance escapade in Abu Dhabi, was the series of longest distance I achieved and served as my 6th and 7th for 100 kilometers. 

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy

6th 124 Kilometer Abu Dhabi Day Ride (November 13, 2020 Friday)
Route Flow : Bin Zayed Highway - Yas Island - Emirates Park Zoo - Abu Dhabi Airport - Etihad - Sheik Zayed Bridge
Route description : scorching hot on the highway
Cycling tracks : along outermost lane

7th 108 Kilometer Abu Dhabi Solo Night Ride (November 17, 2020 Thursday)
Route Flow : Corniche - Palaces - Al Hudayriat Island - Grand Mosque - Al Reem Island
Route description : sightseeing the sunset along the Al Hudayriat Island
Cycling tracks : complete in Al Hudayriat Island, along outermost lane

Abu Dhabi Long Distance Solo Folding Bike Cycling: Finale Thanksgiving Ride 

Sightseeing Abu Dhabi Emirate (UAE) through Folding Bike Cycling

My 2020 newly discovered hobby in the United Arab Emirates

“Appreciation is a wonderful thing: it makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” – Voltaire

Thank you very much to Abu Dhabi Folding Bike (ADFB) group for the adventure they initiated when I bravely joined them last January 2020 without knowing anyone among the members. They ignited my senses in city biking combining my enthusiasm on the city tourist destination, self-guided solo trips and places I have never been.

ADFB's Jubail Mangrove Park and 100km Challenge night ride (Feb. 2020)
Long Distance Challenge 2nd (150km) and 3rd Day Ride (150 km) (Mar. 2020)
Corniche - Palaces - Nareel Island (30 km) (Apr. 2020)
Al Bateen - Hudayriat Island (38 km) (Apr. 2020)
Al Reem Island Dinosaur Route (20 km) (Apr. 2020)
Zayed Free Port - Marsa Mina (21km) (Apr. 2020)
Jubail Island - Mangrove Park (31km) (Apr. 2020)
Saadiyat Island - Cultural District (Louvre) (35km) (Apr. 2020)
Yas Island Theme Parks (Ferrari World, Waterworld) (75km) (Apr. 2020)
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque - Zayed Sports City (38km) (Apr. 2020)
Sheikh Zayed Bridge - Al Dar Headquarters on World Bicycle Day (Jun. 2020)

Long Distance Challenge 4th (100km) and 5th Ride (100 km) (Jul. 2020)

Long Distance Thanksgiving Ride 6th (124km) and 7th Ride (108km) (Nov. 2020)

Sightseeing Abu Dhabi Emirate through Folding Bike Cycling (Al Bateen)

Kiev (Kyiv) Sightseeing Walk Tour

The last phase of my almost a month 2nd Wave of Pandemic Adventure

October 16 to October 24, 2020

Chernihiv Sightseeing Walk Tour

Pandemic traveling in Ukraine doesn't have that much difference compared before, only mask is needed to wear in public transportation, mask in city walking is not mandatory. My usual way of dealing a self-guided walk is just check the google map and look for the tourist spots within the city. I'm only interested on awesome architectures, sightseeing the way of local living across the streets and cheap food trip. My routine is upon arrival from bus or train station and I have only one day allocated on this place, I placed my backpack in locker area then walk-out.

Kyiv or Kiev is the capital and largest city of Ukraine. The city was founded on the banks of Dnipro River. The transliteration of the city's name from Ukrainian is "Kyiv", and this variation is now promoted in English language materials in Ukraine, international organizations and suggested for use in major English-speaking countries. The spelling of the city's name is a linguistic controversy, as it is argued by some that the long-established "Kiev" spelling is based on the Russian transliteration that was prevalent during the Soviet period and therefore is a reminder of Russian influence over Ukraine. 

https://wikitravel.org/en/Kyiv

Day 6: October 21, 2020 Wednesday / Kiev day 1

7th nasal/oral swab in 11 weeks PCR Test (96 hr)

ESCULAB (7am-6pm) 1,350

Kiev city tour ($60 = 1,698 UAH); KFC breakfast 103; beer nights 68

Kyiv Fortress, Motherland Monument, Pechersk Lavra, Friendship of National Arch, St. Michael's Monastery, St. Andrews Church, St Sofia Cathedral

TOTAL: 1,521 UAH

Day 8: October 23, 2020 Friday / Kiev day 2

0730H ETD Hostel; walk to Eskulab for PCR cert

McDonald's breakfast 65; lunch 93; dinner 175

Golden Gate, St Sofia Cathedral, St. Andrews Church, Friendship of National Arch, Trukhaniv Island, Independence Square

2200H ETD Enjoy Hostel; walk to Kiev Train Station

2300H ETA Kiev Train Station; Airport Express 80

TOTAL: 413 UAH

Kiev (Kyiv) Sightseeing Walk Tour

Chernihiv Sightseeing Walk Tour

The last phase of my almost a month 2nd Wave of Pandemic Adventure

October 16 to October 24, 2020

Poltava Sightseeing Walk Tour

Pandemic traveling in Ukraine doesn't have that much difference compared before, only mask is needed to wear in public transportation, mask in city walking is not mandatory. My usual way of dealing a self-guided walk is just check the google map and look for the tourist spots within the city. I'm only interested on awesome architectures, sightseeing the way of local living across the streets and cheap food trip. My routine is upon arrival from bus or train station and I have only one day allocated on this place, I placed my backpack in locker area then walk-out.

Chernihiv, located in the north of Central Ukraine, is one of the most ancient and most interesting cities of Ukraine known in the world primarily for its sacred Christian temples created over 1000 year's history of the city and being invaluable treasure of Ukrainian people.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Chernihiv

Day 7: October 22, 2020 Thursday / Chernihiv

0700H ETD Hostel; metro to Lisova Station 10

0730H ETD Kiev; van to Chernihiv 100

Chernihiv day tour ($20 = 560 UAH)

McDonald's breakfast 93; lunch 92

1430H ETD Chernihiv; van to Kiev 100

1630H ETA Kiev; Afternoon tour; dinner 68

Metro to Teatralna; Enjoy Hostel; Beer nights 80

TOTAL: 543 UAH

Chernihiv Sightseeing Walk Tour

Poltava Sightseeing Walk Tour

The last phase of my almost a month 2nd Wave of Pandemic Adventure

October 16 to October 24, 2020

Chernobyl (Pripyat) Day Tour

Pandemic traveling in Ukraine doesn't have that much difference compared before, only mask is needed to wear in public transportation, mask in city walking is not mandatory. My usual way of dealing a self-guided walk is just check the google map and look for the tourist spots within the city. I'm only interested on awesome architectures, sightseeing the way of local living across the streets and cheap food trip. My routine is upon arrival from bus or train station and I have only one day allocated on this place, I placed my backpack in locker area then walk-out.

Poltava is also called a cultural capital because of its colourful history and many famous Ukrainians who were born in Poltava. Native citizens often follow this idea, being proud of their city and calling it "a city where one wants to live in". Off course, trying to keep this rate: there are many sites of architecture, museums, universities, elementary schools, cinemas, theatres and so on. Apart from that, city is often referred as "green" as there are many parks, gardens and other recreational areas.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Poltava

Day 5: October 20, 2020 Tuesday / Poltava

0530H ETD Hostel; McDonald's breakfast 110

0645H ETD Kyiv Pasazhyrsky

0952H ETA Poltava Kyivska

Poltava day tour (9 hours); snacks 174

1943H ETD Poltava Kyivska

2300H ETA Kyiv Pasazhyrsky; metro to Teatralna

TOTAL: 284 UAH

Poltava Sightseeing Walk Tour

Chernobyl (Pripyat) Day Tour

The last phase of my almost a month 2nd Wave of Pandemic Adventure

October 16 to October 24, 2020

Odessa Sightseeing Walk Tour

I only booked this trip just two days before my intended date via this website. It is mandatory to confirm the booking in advance as my name together with my passport is needed to be registered prior arrival. This trip costs $99 for a day trip from 0800H to 2000H. Lunch worth $8 and Geiger Counter rental worth $10 is excluded, I paid total of $117. I paid 20% online and the remaining was in cash during the trip.

Chornobyl is located in Central Ukraine, near the border with Belarus; the location is infamous because of the nuclear meltdown. On April 26th, 1986, during a test to see how much power was needed to keep the No. 4 reactor operating in the event of a blackout, the Chornobyl Nuclear Station overheated and caused a steam explosion, releasing extremely dangerous amounts of radioactive chemicals into the air, which over time contaminated millions of square miles in dozens of European nations. It is estimated that thousands of deaths were directly caused by the meltdown, while still more people suffered from illnesses brought about by radiation exposure. The town closest to the No. 4 reactor was Pripyat, a city of 49,000 founded in 1970 to house workers from Chornobyl. Only about three kilometers from the plant, the entire city was forced to evacuate.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Chornobyl

Day 4: October 19, 2020 Monday / Chernobyl

0710H ETA Kyiv Pasazhyrsky; KFC 79

0800H ETD Kiev; Chernobyl day tour 2,500; With lunch and Geiger counter

2000H ETA Kiev; metro to Teatralna 20

Enjoy Hostel 5N 575 UAH

TOTAL: 3,174 UAH

Chernobyl (Pripyat) Day Tour

Odessa Sightseeing Walk Tour

The last phase of my almost a month 2nd Wave of Pandemic Adventure

October 16 to October 24, 2020

Lviv Sightseeing Walk Tour

Pandemic traveling in Ukraine doesn't have that much difference compared before, only mask is needed to wear in public transportation, mask in city walking is not mandatory. My usual way of dealing a self-guided walk is just check the google map and look for the tourist spots within the city. I'm only interested on awesome architectures, sightseeing the way of local living across the streets and cheap food trip. My routine is upon arrival from bus or train station and I have only one day allocated on this place, I placed my backpack in locker area then walk-out.

Odesa is a city of regional significance, one of the biggest in Ukraine. It used to be the most populous city in Ukraine in the second half of 19th century until it was beaten by Kyiv. Odesa is a warm water port that is usually regarded as tourist destination among Ukrainians for summer trips. Militarily it has a limited value. Turkey's control of the Dardanelles and Bosphorus has enabled NATO to control water traffic between Odesa and the Mediterranean Sea.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Odesa

Day 3: October 18, 2020 Sunday / Odessa

1004H ETA Odesa Holovna; look for locker 35

Odesa day tour (12 hours) $100 = 2,830 UAH

McDonald's breakfast 93; snacks / dinner 386

2223H ETD Odesa Holovna; 9 hr travel

TOTAL: 514 UAH

Odessa Sightseeing Walk Tour

Lviv Sightseeing Walk Tour

The last phase of my almost a month 2nd Wave of Pandemic Adventure

October 16 to October 24, 2020

9-Days Solo Trip in Ukraine Main Itinerary 

Pandemic traveling in Ukraine doesn't have that much difference compared before, only mask is needed to wear in public transportation, mask in city walking is not mandatory. My usual way of dealing a self-guided walk is just check the google map and look for the tourist spots within the city. I'm only interested on awesome architectures, sightseeing the way of local living across the streets and cheap food trip. My routine is upon arrival from bus or train station and I have only one day allocated on this place, I placed my backpack in locker area then walk-out.

Lviv is one of the biggest cities of regional significance in Ukraine. It was a part of Poland until 1939 when it became part of Ukraine. It is currently the biggest city in the region and a major Ukrainian cultural center. The historic city center is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Lviv

Day 1: October 16, 2020 Friday / Ukraine arrival

1830H ETD Kyiv Pasazhyrsky; 9.5 hr travel

TOTAL: 623 UAH

Day 2: October 17, 2020 Saturday / Lviv

0342H ETA Lviv; look for locker 35

Lviv day tour (17 hours) 

McDonald's breakfast 92; KFC lunch 82; Refreshments 40

2115H ETA Lviv train station

2141H ETD Lviv; 12.5 hr travel

TOTAL: 249 UAH

Lviv Sightseeing Walk Tour

How to Apply for Ukraine C-06 Tourist Visa as Philippine Passport Holder

an adventure of Pinoy backpacker in processing travel documents

* visa applied in the middle of 2nd wave of Covid19 pandemic
* 6 months validity after issuance with period of stay of under 90 days, multiple entry
* Ukraine’s MFA begins issuing e-Visas to Filipino starting from August 14, 2020
* Important link for Visa Applicants https://visitukraine.today/
* VFS Global is an authorized outsourced partner of accepting and processing visa applications.

Ukraine C-06 Multiple Visit Visa for 6 months (Sep. 2020 to Mar. 2021)

9 Days Solo Backpacking Trip in Autumn Ukraine

The last phase of my almost a month 2nd Wave of Pandemic Adventure

October 16 to October 24, 2020

My 113th country visited on my journey beyond #lakbay100, 92nd solo backpacking trip, 36th country in Europe and of course and usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure. I did not research that much for this country due also on limited time and laziness.

Ukraine takes its roots from the establishment of the East Slavic state Kyivan Rus (IX-XIII centuries). Since then, Ukraine preserved its geographical location, capital and national customs (including Kyivan Rus state emblem). Ukraine first declared its sovereignty from the Soviet Union in July 1990 (And also in 1918). Following the results of a referendum in 1991 which indicated overwhelming popular support, the Ukraine's Parliament declared its Independence Day 24 August 1991.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Ukraine

9 Days Solo Backpacking Trip in Autumn Ukraine

Playa Macao and Redonda Montaña Day Tour

2nd Wave of Pandemic Adventure and 1st time in Caribbean

October 07 to October 15, 2020

Santo Domingo Colonial Historic Walk Tour

This trip was supposedly a planned 2 days tour on two different best beaches of Dominican Republic. The first day was in Playa Macao and Buggy ride and the 2nd day was in Saona Island. Unfortunately, I received a whatsapp message just afternoon of the 1st day from the tour operator declaring the 2nd day was cancelled due to lack of joiners. Since I don't wanna waste my time in Dominican Republic doing nothing, I change the trip to Redunda Montana + Playa Macao.

Playa Macao is declared by UNESCO as one of the best in the Caribbean for its fine sand and abundant palm trees, this stunning beach is virtual eye candy! Natural, expansive, virginal and 3.2 miles long, Playa el Macao is what dreams are made of.  As soon as arrive atop the hillcrest, all you will be able to say is… “WOW”! There is so much space to explore and not many people. Playa el Macao is never crowded because the beach is so big – except on weekends as it is a popular destination for Dominicans -At times, there will be excursions from the resorts with a busload of tourists and buggy excursions (which have pretty loud engines) which traverse the white dunes but there is plenty of room for everyone.

http://visitpuntacana.org/playa-el-macao/

It is a scenic place that has been operating as a tourist place since (1999). Its owners are the “Pión Martínez” family. Round Mountain in Miches, is an unforgettable place, being surrounded by the nature of the countryside, enjoy a panoramic view, where the reflection of the lagoons combine with the sun rise on the beach and sunset with the green of the mountains, clean air and singing birds, peace and tranquility.

Day 2: October 13, 2020 Tuesday / Dominican Republic

0530H ETD Hostel; Morning refreshments 60

0630H ETD Santo Domingo

Playa Macao + Buggy 1,890 (paid)

1800H ETA Santo Domingo; snacks 80

TOTAL: 140 DOP

Day 3: October 14, 2020 Wednesday / Dominican Republic

0530H ETD Hostel; Morning refreshments 195

0630H ETD Santo Domingo

Redonda Montaña + Macao Day Tour 1,590 (paid)

2030H ETA Santo Domingo; snacks 235

TOTAL: 430 DOP

Playa Macao and Redonda Montaña Day Tour

Santo Domingo Colonial Historic Walk Tour

2nd Wave of Pandemic Adventure and 1st time in Caribbean

October 07 to October 15, 2020

4 Days Solo Trip in Summer Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo is the capital city of the Dominican Republic, and it prides itself in being the first European city in the New World. The old city is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Founded by Christopher Columbus's brother Bartolome Colombus in 1496, it is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas and was the first seat of the Spanish colonial empire in the New World. For this reason, the city of Santo Domingo has a really rich historic and cultural heritage that makes any visit extremely worthwhile.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Santo_Domingo

Day 1: October 12, 2020 Monday / Dominican Republic

Island Life Hostel $72; Free breakfast

0830H Colonial Zone Historic Walk Tour

Exchange $1= 58DOP; $100=5,800DOP

Lunch 290; magnet 100; ATA Excursions 3,880

Refreshments + snacks 465

TOTAL: $72 + 4,735 DOP

Santo Domingo Colonial Historic Walk Tour

4 Days Solo Trip in Summer Dominican Republic

2nd Wave of Pandemic Adventure and 1st time in Caribbean

October 07 to October 15, 2020

My 112th country visited on my journey beyond #lakbay100, 91st solo backpacking trip, 3rd country in North America, 2nd time in Caribbean and of course and usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure. I did not research that much for this country due also on limited time and laziness.

As part of the Caribbean the Dominican Republic has the North Atlantic Ocean lying to its north and the Caribbean Sea to its south. It's situated on the island of Hispaniola and occupies the eastern two-thirds of the island while Haiti occupies the western third. After attaining independence in 1844 the Dominican Republic endured many years of a largely non-representative rule until Joaquin Balaguer became president in 1966 holding office until 1996. Today regular elections are held and the Dominican Republic now has an impressive and fast growing economy with tourism playing a major role. For the adventure tourist this Caribbean country offers a diverse countryside comprising tropical rainforests, arid desert expanses, alpine ranges and steamy mangrove swamps. It's a playground for trekkers, mountain bike enthusiasts and water-sport junkies.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Dominican_Republic

4 Days Solo Trip in Summer Dominican Republic

Miami City Transit Visit

2nd Wave of Pandemic Adventure and 1st time in Caribbean

October 07 to October 15, 2020

This trip was very spontaneous. My original plan was to cross the border of Dominican Republic through Ouanaminthe in Haiti. Unfortunately, the border was closed which was why the Caribe Tours bus station is closed. I just booked my ticket just night before the flight.

Miami, officially the City of Miami, is a metropolis located in southeastern Florida in the United States. It is the second most populous metropolis on the East coast of the United States, and it is the seventh largest in the country. The city is an economic powerhouse, serving as the financial and business capital of Latin America. Miami is a major center and leader in finance, commerce, culture, arts, and international trade. Miami is nicknamed the "Capital of Latin America" and is the largest city with a Cuban-American plurality.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami

Day 5: October 11, 2020 Sunday / Miami Transit

0952H Port Au Prince UTC -0400H; flight AA1181

1157H ETA Miami UTC -0400H; 6hr transit

Miami aftenoon tour; bus #150 to South Beach

Miami South Beach; Burger King $10; souvenirs $17

1830H ETA Miami Airport; dinner $17

2030H ETD Miami; flight AA1511

2245H ETA Santo Domingo; Uber to hostel $16

TOTAL: $60

Miami City Transit Visit

Cap-Hatien Afternoon Tour

2nd Wave of Pandemic Adventure and 1st time in Caribbean

October 07 to October 15, 2020

Port-au-Prince Afternoon Tour

Cap-Haïtien, often referred to as Le Cap or Au Cap, is on the north coast of Haiti and capital of the department of Nord. Previously named Cap‑Français and Cap‑Henri, it was historically nicknamed the Paris of the Antilles, because of its wealth and sophistication, expressed through its architecture and artistic life. Cap-Haïtien is near the historic Haitian town of Milot, which lies 19 km to the southwest along a gravel road. Milot was Haiti's first capital under the self-proclaimed King Henry Christophe, who ascended to power in 1807, three years after Haiti had gained independence from France. He renamed Cap‑Français as Cap‑Henri. Milot is the site of his Sans-Souci Palace, wrecked by the 1842 earthquake. The Citadelle Henry, a massive stone fortress bristling with cannons, atop a nearby mountain is 8.0 km away. On clear days, its silhouette is visible from Cap‑Haïtien.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cap-Ha%C3%AFtien

Day 3: October 09, 2020 Friday / Haiti

0630H Sans Souci Bus Stn; change receipt to seat 

0700H ETD Port au Prince Bus to Cap-Haitien

1000H Bus stop over; lunch 400

1400H ETA CAP-Haitien (Ouanaminthe bus query) 

Taxi to Caribe Tours 500 (already closed) / Taxi to Milot 1,250

1600H Citadel Laferriere / Sans-Soucis Palace (Milot)

Motorbike to Citadel roundtrip $12 / Horse rental with guide $24

Citadelle entrance fee $10; Guide fee 30

2000H Motorbike to CAP-Haitien $24

Rue B Hotel $50; dinner 250

TOTAL: $150 + 2,400 HTG

Cap-Hatien Afternoon Tour

Port-au-Prince Afternoon Tour

2nd Wave of Pandemic Adventure and 1st time in Caribbean

October 07 to October 15, 2020

4 Days Solo Trip in Summer Haiti

The city of Port-au-Prince is on the Gulf of Gonâve: the bay on which the city lies, which acts as a natural harbor, has sustained economic activity since the civilizations of the Arawaks. It was first incorporated under French colonial rule in 1749. The city's layout is similar to that of an amphitheatre; commercial districts are near the water, while residential neighborhoods are located on the hills above. The city was catastrophically affected by a devastating earthquake in 2010,with large numbers of structures damaged or destroyed. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port-au-Prince

Day 2: October 08, 2020 Thursday / Haiti

1340H ETA Port Au Prince UTC -0400H

Visa on arrival free, Tourist fee $10

Hand-over Negative Covid19 test result printout; Walking distance to bus station to CAP-Haitien

Sans Souci Hotel $60 + $90 Exchange ($1=60 HTG)

Sans Souci Bus Reservation $20

Afternoon city tour 1,500; Snacks + Beer 520

TOTAL: $90 +2,200 HTG

Port-au-Prince Afternoon Tour